Beastly fun outings with animals

Crazy about animals? Then this is really a blog for you. Because we have collected fun outings starring animals.

The Equestrian Foundation

Foundation De Paardenkamp in Soest is a special place. Here 120 horses and ponies are enjoying their old age. Everyone is welcome to meet the residents. Fun activities such as a market or an open day are regularly organized. Or just come and cuddle with an aged animal, because they love that. On the website you can see a complete overview of the current residents. Super fun to take a look before visiting them. Maybe you will recognize them!

Between the alpacas and the deer

Alpacas are super funny animals. At Zonneveld Alpacas in Tiendeveen you literally come face to face with them. So you can go hiking with them, participate in a “feed and greet” and you can even spend the night there so you literally sleep among the alpacas! Have these animals stolen your heart too? Then this is definitely a must do. Want to see deer in the wild? Then a walk in the Waterleidingduinen Vogelenzang is a must. These dunes are part of the Amsterdam Water Supply Dunes and it is a true oasis for birds and animals. The chances of seeing deer in this area are very high!

Sleeping with the cows

Besides sleeping among the alpacas, you can also spend the night among the cows! Don’t worry, you really don’t have to sleep in the barn, because you sleep in real ground-ulows. These are very luxurious but don’t be surprised if a cow is grazing in your front yard. Or on your roof. These ground bungalows can be found in Heeten (near Deventer) at Koe in de Kost. Are you coming with a larger group? Then there are also nice group accommodations. And even the disabled can enjoy a wonderful weekend away here in the wheelchair-friendly farmhouse.

The Cuddle Farm

We stay with farm animals for a while, because in Uddel in Gelderland you will find De Knuffelboederij. You can cuddle the animals there for an hour and a half for a fee. They are used to it and they love it. Included is a guided tour, coffee/tea/refreshments and some goodies. A very different kind of farm is the ostrich farm Monnikenwerve in Sluis (Zeeland). Ostriches may be less cuddly, but they are interesting animals and the tour is really fun!

Flamingo spotting!

From November to the end of March it is possible to spot wild flamigos in the Netherlands! Or actually just across the border near Germany. Nature reserve Zwillbrocker Venn is located east of Groenlo and Eibergen. This is where true wild flamingos breed! In the winter months they often cross the border to our own Netherlands to hibernate, since our winters are generally mild. Anyway, a nice area to visit and as icing on the cake you can see flamingos!

Squirrel Experience

At Exotic Garden Center The Equator, you can participate in the Squirrel Experience starting in late March. In a 10,000 m² bamboo garden, you can find as many as 15 species of squirrels. You can even feed them! Super fun to do once! Want to see reptiles in addition to small animals? You can do that at Avonturia de Vogelkelder in The Hague. Actually, this is a bit of an out of control pet store, but it’s really ideal for a short outing. Besides rodents, reptiles, fish and tarantulas, children can also have adventures at Mappa Mundia. This is an indoor mini-zoo where kids explore with a real map.

Seeing seals

If you are in the north of the country, then of course a visit to seal center Pieterburen should not be missed. If you prefer to spot the animals in the wild, then mudflat hiking is a must. For example, there is a special Seal-wading tour organized. Should you be unlucky enough not to see a single seal, it is still a fun, beautiful and educational trip! This mudflat walking tour is a real family tour. Even grandpa and grandma can come along!

More fun with animals

In addition to all these tips, there are of course many more fun outings with animals to think of. For example, visit a small zoo or be amazed in a beautiful butterfly garden. There are several of these in the Netherlands! Oh yes, and the Groote Museum of Artis recently opened its doors to the public after being closed for 75 years. Combine your visit to this museum with a visit to the zoo. You see: there are more than enough fun outings with animals!

Credits photos: www.canva.com